Methods for Synthesizing Zinc-Lysine-Chloride Complex

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein are improved methods for the synthesis of zinc-amino acid-halide complexes via reaction of zinc oxide and amino acid hydrochloride with a slight molar excess of amino acid hydrohalide, as well as oral care compositions comprising said complexes made according to said method.

BACKGROUND

Oral cavity bacteria are the primary cause of dental ailments, including caries, gingivitis, periodontitis, and halitosis. Oral bacteria form biofilms which are tightly adhered to the oral surfaces, especially the tooth enamel. With time, these biofilms calcify and turn into tartar, making them more difficult to remove from the tooth surface. Current at-home dental treatments, such as tooth brushing and mouth rinsing, can provide only limited benefit in preventing the growth of oral biofilm, or preventing the conversion of biofilm to plaque and tartar. The only effective way to remove plaque and tartar once it has formed is through costly, sometimes uncomfortable professional dental treatments such as root planning and scaling. It would be extremely beneficial to develop means of preventing the initial formation of oral bacterial biofilms and inhibiting the growth of oral cavity bacteria. Zinc salts such as zinc oxide, zinc citrate, and zinc gluconate, have been used in the art for their antibacterial effects, but they can sometimes present difficulties in formulating oral care compositions, or they can sometimes result in undesirable taste or mouthfeel.

Complexes between metal ions and amino acids are known. Some of these, especially complexes between divalent metal ions and basic amino acids, have seen use in the field of oral care for their ability to treat dentinal hypersensitivity. Certain complexes, such as zinc-bis(lysine)-halide and zinc-bis(arginine)-halide, have been discovered to form stable, homogenous aqueous solutions, which under certain conditions, can precipitate zinc hydroxide, zinc oxide and other zinc species. The formation of such species as zinc oxide and zinc hydroxide provides a means of delivering bioactive zinc to the tissues of the oral cavity. In addition, the precipitation of these salts has enabled oral care compositions comprising these complexes to effectively plug the dentinal tubules of the teeth that transmit sensations of hypersensitivity.

These stable, soluble zinc-amino acid-halide complexes have also been disclosed as effective oral anti-bacterial agents. When placed in oral care formulations, these complexes provide an effective concentration of zinc ions to the enamel, thereby protecting against erosion, reducing bacterial colonization and biofilm development, and providing enhanced shine to the teeth. These formulations have the added benefit that they do not exhibit the poor taste and mouthfeel, poor fluoride delivery, and poor foaming and cleaning associated with conventional zinc-based oral care products using soluble zinc salts.

Of particular interest are compositions comprising the zinc-amino acid-halide complex zinc-lysine-chloride complex, designated ZLC, which may be formed, for example, by reaction of zinc oxide and lysine hydrochloride in water. ZLC has the chemical structure [Zn(C₆H₁₄N₂O₂)₂Cl]⁺Cl⁻, and may exist in solution of the cationic cation ([Zn(C₆H₁₄N₂O₂)₂Cl]⁺) and the chloride anion, or may be a solid salt, e.g., a crystal, optionally in dihydrate form. Zinc lysine complex may also exist in a halide free complex, for example, [Zn(C₆H₁₄N₂O₂)₂]²⁺. Zinc amino acid halide complexes, including zinc-lysine-chloride complexes, have been disclosed, e.g., in US 2015-0328118A1, US 2015-0335554A1, US 2015-0328110A1, and US 2015-0335553A1, the contents of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

Complexes comprising zinc and amino acid and optionally an anion and/or oxygen, forms a soluble cationic moiety, which in turn may form a salt with a halide or other anion. When placed in formulation, this complex provides an effective concentration of zinc ions to the enamel, thereby protecting against erosion, reducing bacterial colonization and biofilm development, and providing enhanced shine to the teeth. Moreover, upon use, the formulation provides a precipitate that can plug the dentinal tubules, thereby reducing the sensitivity of the teeth. While providing efficient delivery of zinc in comparison to formulations with insoluble zinc salts, the formulations comprising the zinc-amino acid complex do not exhibit the poor taste and mouthfeel, poor fluoride delivery, and poor foaming and cleaning associated with conventional zinc-based oral care products using soluble zinc salts. While oral care compositions comprising zinc-amino acid-halide complexes such as the ZLC complex are known, it has been challenging to develop efficient and reliable methods of manufacturing the ZLC complex.

While the prior art discloses the use of various means of synthesizing zinc-lysine-halide complexes, such as the ZLC complex, there is still a need for additional methods which provide improved ease, efficiency and/or yield.

SUMMARY

It has now been discovered that zinc-amino acid-halide complexes, such as the ZLC complex ([Zn(C₆H₁₄N₂O₂)₂Cl]⁺Cl⁻) can form in improved yield by reacting zinc oxide with an amino acid hydrohalide in aqueous solvent with a slight excess of the amino acid hydrohalide. In some embodiments, the solvent is substantially anhydrous. In some embodiments, the molar excess of amino acid hydrohalide is about 5 to 30%.

The invention further provides oral care compositions, for example mouthwash, oral gel or dentifrice compositions, that comprise the zinc-amino acid-halide complex made according to the present synthetic methods.

The invention further provides methods of using the compositions of the invention to reduce and inhibit acid erosion of the enamel, clean the teeth, reduce bacterially-generated biofilm and plaque, reduce gingivitis, inhibit tooth decay and formation of cavities, and reduce dentinal hypersensitivity, comprising applying a composition of the invention to the teeth.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

The invention therefore provides, in a first embodiment, method of making a zinc-amino acid-halide complex (Method 1), comprising the step of reacting zinc oxide with an amino acid hydrohalide in aqueous solvent with a slight excess of the amino acid hydrohalide. In further embodiments of Method 1, the present disclosure provides:

-   -   1.1. Method 1 wherein the amino acid is selected from lysine,         glycine and arginine, in hydrohalide acid addition salt form,         e.g., hydrochloride form.     -   1.2. Method 1 or 1.1 wherein the amino acid is lysine or         arginine.     -   1.3. Method 1.2, wherein the amino acid is lysine.     -   1.4. Any of methods 1.1 to 1.3, wherein the amino acid is in         hydrochloride salt form.     -   1.5. Method 1, or any of 1.1 to 1.4, wherein the zinc-amino         acid-halide complex has the formula Zn(AA)₂(Hal)₂ or         Zn(AA)₃(Hal)₂, wherein “AA” is the amino acid and “Hal” is the         halide.     -   1.6. Method 1.5, wherein the amino acid (“AA”) is lysine,         glycine or arginine.     -   1.7. Method 1.5 or 1.6, wherein the halide (“Hal”) is chloride.     -   1.8. Method 1, or any of 1.1 to 1.4, wherein the zinc-amino         acid-halide complex has the formula Zn(Lys)₂Cl₂.     -   1.9. Method 1.8, wherein the zinc-amino acid-halide complex has         the structural formula [Zn(C₆H₁₄N₂O₂)₂Cl]⁺Cl⁻, optionally in the         form of a mono-hydrate or dihydrate (e.g.,         [Zn(C₆H₁₄N₂O₂)₂Cl]⁺Cl⁻—H₂O).     -   1.10. Method 1.9, wherein the zinc-amino acid-halide complex has         a structure wherein the Zn cation is coordinated by two lysine         ligands with two nitrogen atoms from alpha NH₂ groups of the two         lysine ligands and two oxygen atoms from carboxylic groups of         the two lysine ligands in an equatorial plane, having a         distorted square-pyramidal geometry with the apical position         occupied by a chlorine atom, to form a positive cation moiety,         with which a chloride anion is combined to form an ionic salt.     -   1.11. Method 1, or any of 1.1-1.10, wherein the molar excess of         amino acid hydrohalide is about 5 to 30%, e.g., 10 to 30% or 15         to 30%, or 20 to 30% or about 20% or about 25% or about 30%.     -   1.12. Method 1, or any of 1.1-1.11, wherein solvent is water.     -   1.13. Method 1, or any of 1.1-1.11, wherein the solvent         comprises a mixture of water and a polyol, e.g., from 1-30%         water w/w, e.g., from 5-30% water or from 10-30% w/w water, and         the balance polyol.     -   1.14. Method 1, or any of 1.1-1.11, wherein the solvent         comprises a mixture of water and polyol, e.g., from 1-30% polyol         w/w, from 1-20% polyol w/w, or from 1-10% polyol w/w, and the         balance water.     -   1.15. Method 1.13 or 1.14, wherein the polyol is selected from         one or more of a diol, a trial or a tetraol.     -   1.16. Method 1.15, wherein the polyol is selected from one or         more of ethylene glycol, 1,2-propylene glycol, 1,3-propylene         glycol, cyclopentane-1,2-diol, cyclohexane-1,2-diol, neopentyl         glycol, glycerol, 1,2-butanediol, 1,3-butanediol,         1,4-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, and pentaerythritol.     -   1.17. Method 1.16, wherein the polyol is selected from one or         more of ethylene glycol, 1,2-propylene glycol, 1,3-propylene         glycol and glycerol.     -   1.18. Method 1.17, wherein the polyol is glycerol.     -   1.19. Method 1, or any of 1.1-1.18, wherein the solvent further         comprises an alcohol, e.g., methanol, ethanol, propanol,         isopropanol, or butanol.     -   1.20. Method 1, or any of 1.1-1.19, wherein the reaction step of         reacting zinc oxide with amino acid hydrohalide occurs by         combining only zinc oxide, amino acid hydrohalide and water in a         suitable reaction vessel.     -   1.21. Method 1, or any of 1.1 to 1.20, wherein the reaction step         takes place at 25° C. to 200° C., e.g., at 50° C. to 180° C., or         at 70° C. to 150° C., or at 100° C. to 150° C., or at 50° C. to         100° C., or at 50° C. to 75° C., or at about 60° C. or at about         120° C.     -   1.22. Method 1, or any of 1.1 to 1.21, wherein the method         further comprises the step of removing the solvent, e.g., by         distillation, vacuum distillation, evaporation, freeze-drying,         or spray drying.     -   1.23. Method 1, or any of 1.1 to 1.22, wherein the method         further comprises the step of isolating the zinc-amino         acid-halide complex, e.g., in solid form and/or in substantially         pure form.     -   1.24. Method 1.23, wherein the isolation step is by         precipitation or crystallization.     -   1.25. Method 1.24, wherein the precipitation or crystallization         step comprises the step of adding a suitable solvent to the zinc         oxide/amino acid hydrohalide/solvent reaction mixture to         precipitate or crystallize out the zinc-amino acid-halide         complex (e.g., wherein the suitable solvent is one in which the         zinc-amino acid-halide complex is poorly soluble or not         soluble).     -   1.26. Method 1, or any of 1.1 to 1.22, wherein the method does         not comprise further purification or isolation of the zinc-amino         acid-halide complex, e.g., the complex is further used as the         solution of the zinc-amino acid-halide complex in the aqueous         solvent.     -   1.27. Method 1, or any of 1.1 to 1.27, wherein the reaction is         substantially complete (e.g., greater than 90% conversion) after         less than 24 hours.     -   1.28. Method 1.28, wherein the reaction is substantially         complete (e.g., greater than 90% conversion) after less than 12         hours or less than 6 hours or less than 4 hours or less than 3         hours, or less than 1 hour, e.g., 1 to 12 hours or 0.5 to 4         hours, or 0.1 to 1 hour.     -   1.29. Method 1 or any of 1.1 to 1.28, wherein the reaction         mixture does not comprise an acid, e.g., does not comprise an         aqueous acid.     -   1.30. Method 1 or any of 1.1 to 1.29, wherein the reaction         mixture has a pH of from 6 to 10, e.g., from 6.5 to 10, or 6.5         to 9, or 6.5 to 8, or 7 to 10, or 7 to 9, or 7 to 8.     -   1.31. A zinc-amino acid-halide complex made according to Method         1 or any of Methods 1.1 to 1.30.

According to the present invention, it has been unexpectedly found that the rate of the reaction between zinc oxide and amino acid hydrohalide, and the yield of the reaction, can be significantly improved by using a slight excess of the amino acid hydrohalide.

The reaction between zinc oxide and lysine hydrochloride, as an example, is an equilibrium reaction when it takes place in an aqueous environment. As such, it can be described by the following reaction formula.

ZnO(s)+2Lysine.HCl(aq)→[Zn(Lysine)₂Cl]Cl(aq)(ZLC)

Although reaction equilibrium moves in favor of product with increasing amounts of reactant, reaction rate—or kinetics—may not follow. The kinetics and thermodynamics are two distinct concepts. A reaction which will thermodynamically go far towards completion can be so kinetically slow as to never reach an industrially practicable yield (e.g., the air oxidation of iron, i.e., to form rust). The kinetics of a reaction can be unpredictable and depend largely on the molecular mechanism of reaction. The rate-limiting step of a multistep process generally determines the kinetics of a reaction, and it depends closely on the kinetic order of the reaction (which can only be determined experimentally). It might well be expected that in the case of the reaction of zinc oxide with lysine hydrochloride to form ZLC, that the rate limiting step is the dissolution of the insoluble zinc oxide. In such a case, the concentration of lysine hydrochloride would be observed to have no effect on the kinetic rate of reaction.

However, the inventors have unexpectedly found and disclosed herein that the concentration of the lysine hydrochloride does have a significant effect on the kinetic rate of reaction for formation of ZLC, thus suggesting, counterintuitively, that the rate limiting step of the mechanism involves direct amino acid's interaction with ZnO particles.

The invention further provides a composition (Composition 1), e.g., an oral care composition or personal care composition, comprising a zinc-amino acid-halide complex made according to Method 1 or any of methods 1.1 to 1.31. In further embodiments the invention provides:

-   -   1.1. Composition 1, wherein the composition is an oral care         composition.     -   1.2. Composition 1.1, in the form of a toothpaste, gel,         mouthwash, powder, cream, strip, or gum.     -   1.3. Composition 1 or any of 1.1-1.2, comprising an orally         acceptable base, e.g., a mouthwash, gel, or dentifrice base.     -   1.4. Composition 1 or any of 1.1-1.2, wherein the composition         comprises the zinc-amino acid-halide complex in an amount of         0.05 to 20% by weight of the composition, e.g., from 0.1 to 10%,         or from 0.5 to 5% or from 1 to 3%.     -   1.5. Any of the foregoing compositions in the form of a         dentifrice, wherein the dentifrice base comprises an abrasive,         e.g., an effective amount of a silica abrasive, e.g., 10-30%,         e.g., about 20%.     -   1.6. Any of the foregoing compositions further comprising an         effective amount of a fluoride ion source, e.g., providing 50 to         3000 ppm fluoride.     -   1.7. Any of the foregoing compositions further comprising an         effective amount of fluoride, e.g., wherein the fluoride is a         salt selected from stannous fluoride, sodium fluoride, potassium         fluoride, sodium monofluorophosphate, sodium fluorosilicate,         ammonium fluorosilicate, amine fluoride (e.g.,         N′-octadecyltrimethylendiamine-N,N,N′-tris(2-ethanol)-dihydrofluoride),         ammonium fluoride, titanium fluoride, hexafluorosulfate, and         combinations thereof.     -   1.8. Any of the preceding compositions comprising an effective         amount of one or more alkali phosphate salts, e.g., sodium,         potassium or calcium salts, e.g., selected from alkali dibasic         phosphate and alkali pyrophosphate salts, e.g., alkali phosphate         salts selected from sodium phosphate dibasic, potassium         phosphate dibasic, dicalcium phosphate dihydrate, calcium         pyrophosphate, tetrasodium pyrophosphate, tetrapotassium         pyrophosphate, sodium tripolyphosphate, and mixtures of any of         two or more of these, e.g., in an amount of 1-20%, e.g., 2-8%,         e.g., ca. 5%, by weight of the composition.     -   1.9. Any of the foregoing compositions comprising buffering         agents, e.g., sodium phosphate buffer (e.g., sodium phosphate         monobasic and disodium phosphate).     -   1.10. Any of the foregoing compositions comprising a humectant,         e.g., selected from glycerin, sorbitol, propylene glycol,         polyethylene glycol, xylitol, and mixtures thereof, e.g.         comprising at least 20%, e.g., 20-40%, e.g., 25-35% glycerin.     -   1.11. Any of the preceding compositions comprising one or more         surfactants, e.g., selected from anionic, cationic,         zwitterionic, and nonionic surfactants, and mixtures thereof,         e.g., comprising an anionic surfactant, e.g., a surfactant         selected from sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium ether lauryl         sulfate, and mixtures thereof, e.g. in an amount of from about         0.3% to about 4.5% by weight, e.g. 1-2% sodium lauryl sulfate         (SLS); and/or a zwitterionic surfactant, for example a betaine         surfactant, for example cocamidopropylbetaine, e.g. in an amount         of from about 0.1% to about 4.5% by weight, e.g. 0.5-2%         cocamidopropylbetaine.     -   1.12. Any of the preceding compositions further comprising a         viscosity modifying amount of one or more of polysaccharide         gums, for example xanthan gum or carrageenan, silica thickener,         and combinations thereof.     -   1.13. Any of the preceding compositions further comprising         flavoring, fragrance and/or coloring.     -   1.14. Any of the foregoing compositions comprising an effective         amount of one or more antibacterial agents, for example         comprising an antibacterial agent selected from halogenated         diphenyl ether (e.g. triclosan), herbal extracts and essential         oils (e.g., rosemary extract, tea extract, magnolia extract,         thymol, menthol, eucalyptol, geraniol, carvacrol, citral,         hinokitol, catechol, methyl salicylate, epigallocatechin         gallate, epigallocatechin, gallic acid, miswak extract,         sea-buckthorn extract), bisguanide antiseptics (e.g.,         chlorhexidine, alexidine or octenidine), quaternary ammonium         compounds (e.g., cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), benzalkonium         chloride, tetradecylpyridinium chloride (TPC),         N-tetradecyl-4-ethylpyridinium chloride (TDEPC)), phenolic         antiseptics, hexetidine, octenidine, sanguinarine, povidone         iodine, delmopinol, salifluor, metal ions (e.g., zinc salts, for         example, zinc citrate, stannous salts, copper salts, iron         salts), sanguinarine, propolis and oxygenating agents (e.g.,         hydrogen peroxide, buffered sodium peroxyborate or         peroxycarbonate), phthalic acid and its salts, monoperthalic         acid and its salts and esters, ascorbyl stearate, oleoyl         sarcosine, alkyl sulfate, dioctyl sulfosuccinate,         salicylanilide, domiphen bromide, delmopinol, octapinol and         other piperidino derivatives, nicin preparations, chlorite         salts; and mixtures of any of the foregoing; e.g., comprising         triclosan or cetylpyridinium chloride.     -   1.15. Any of the preceding compositions further comprising a         whitening agent, e.g., a selected from the group consisting of         peroxides, metal chlorites, perborates, percarbonates,         peroxyacids, hypochlorites, and combinations thereof.     -   1.16. Any of the preceding compositions further comprising         hydrogen peroxide or a hydrogen peroxide source, e.g., urea         peroxide or a peroxide salt or complex (e.g., such as         peroxyphosphate, peroxycarbonate, perborate, peroxysilicate, or         persulphate salts; for example calcium peroxyphosphate, sodium         perborate, sodium carbonate peroxide, sodium peroxyphosphate,         and potassium persulfate);     -   1.17. Any of the preceding compositions further comprising an         agent that interferes with or prevents bacterial attachment,         e.g., solbrol or chitosan.     -   1.18. Any of the preceding compositions further comprising a         source of calcium and phosphate selected from (i) calcium-glass         complexes, e.g., calcium sodium phosphosilicates, and (ii)         calcium-protein complexes, e.g., casein phosphopeptide-amorphous         calcium phosphate     -   1.19. Any of the preceding compositions further comprising a         soluble calcium salt, e.g., selected from calcium sulfate,         calcium chloride, calcium nitrate, calcium acetate, calcium         lactate, and combinations thereof.     -   1.20. Any of the preceding compositions further comprising a         physiologically or orally acceptable potassium salt, e.g.,         potassium nitrate or potassium chloride, in an amount effective         to reduce dentinal sensitivity.     -   1.21. Any of the foregoing compositions further comprising an         anionic polymer, e.g., a synthetic anionic polymeric         polycarboxylate, e.g., wherein the anionic polymer is selected         from 1:4 to 4:1 copolymers of maleic anhydride or acid with         another polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated monomer; e.g.,         wherein the anionic polymer is a methyl vinyl ether/maleic         anhydride (PVM/MA) copolymer having an average molecular weight         (M.W.) of about 30,000 to about 1,000,000, e.g. about 300,000 to         about 800,000, e.g., wherein the anionic polymer is about 1-5%,         e.g., about 2%, of the weight of the composition.     -   1.22. Any of the foregoing compositions, wherein the pH of the         composition is approximately neutral, e.g., from pH 6 to pH 8         e.g., about pH 7.     -   1.23. Any of the forgoing compositions for use to reduce and         inhibit acid erosion of the enamel, clean the teeth, reduce         bacterially-generated biofilm and plaque, reduce gingivitis,         inhibit tooth decay and formation of cavities, and reduce         dentinal hypersensitivity.

The present disclosure further provides a method of using Composition 1, et seq., to reduce and inhibit acid erosion of the enamel, clean the teeth, reduce bacterially-generated biofilm and plaque, reduce gingivitis, inhibit tooth decay and formation of cavities, and/or reduce dentinal hypersensitivity, the method comprising applying an effective amount of a composition of the invention, e.g., any of Composition 1, et seq. to the teeth, and optionally then rinsing with water or aqueous solution sufficient to trigger precipitation of zinc salts from the composition.

For example, in various embodiments, the invention provides a method to (i) reduce hypersensitivity of the teeth, (ii) reduce plaque accumulation, (iii) reduce or inhibit demineralization and promote remineralization of the teeth, (iv) inhibit microbial biofilm formation in the oral cavity, (v) reduce or inhibit gingivitis, (vi) promote healing of sores or cuts in the mouth, (vii) reduce levels of acid producing bacteria, (viii) increase relative levels of non-cariogenic and/or non-plaque forming bacteria, (ix) reduce or inhibit formation of dental caries, (x), reduce, repair or inhibit pre-carious lesions of the enamel, e.g., as detected by quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF) or electrical caries measurement (ECM), (xi) treat, relieve or reduce dry mouth, (xii) clean the teeth and oral cavity, (xiii) reduce erosion, (xiv) whiten teeth, (xv) reduce tartar build-up, and/or (xvi) promote systemic health, including cardiovascular health, comprising applying any of Compositions 1, et seq. as described above to the oral cavity of a person in need thereof, e.g., one or more times per day. The invention further provides Compositions 1, et seq. for use in any of these compositions.

Without intending to be bound by theory, it is believed that the formation of the zinc amino acid halide proceeds via formation of the zinc halide then coordination of amino acid residues around a central zinc. For example, using reaction of zinc oxide with lysine hydrochloride in water as an example, the zinc can react with lysine and/or lysine.HCl to form a clear solution of Zn-lysine-chloride complex (ZnLys₃Cl₂), wherein Zn⁺⁺ is located in an octahedral center coordinated with two oxygen and two nitrogen atoms in the equatorial plane coming from two lysine's carboxylic acids and amine groups respectively. The zinc is also coordinated to the third lysine via its nitrogen and carboxylic oxygen, at the apical position of the metal geometry.

In another embodiment, a zinc cation is complexes with two amino acid residues and two chloride residues. For example, where the amino acid is lysine, the complex has the formula [Zn(C₆H₁₄N₂O₂)₂Cl]⁺Cl⁻. In this complex, Zn cation is coordinated by two lysine ligands with two N atoms from NH₂ groups and O atoms from carboxylic groups in an equatorial plane. It displays a distorted square-pyramidal geometry with the apical position occupied by a Cl⁻ atom. This novel structure gives rise to a positive cation moiety, to which a Cl⁻ anion is combined to form an ionic salt.

Other complexes of zinc and amino acid are possible, and the precise form is dependent in part on the molar ratios of the precursor compounds, e.g., if there is limited halide, halide-free complexes may form, e.g. ZnOLys₂, having a pyramid geometry, with the equatorial plane that is same as the above compound (Zn is bound to two oxygen and two nitrogen atoms from different lysines), wherein the top of the pyramid is occupied by an O atom. Thus, in some embodiments, Method 1 et seq. may result in mixtures of different soluble zinc complexes, some with and some without halide as a part of the complex.

Mixtures of complexes and/or additional complex structures, e.g., involving multiple zinc ions based on the zinc structure, are possible and contemplated within the scope of the invention. When the complexes are in solid form, they may form crystals, e.g. in hydrated form.

Irrespective of the precise structure of the complex or complexes, however, the interaction of the zinc and the amino acid converts insoluble zinc oxide or zinc salts to a highly soluble complex at approximately neutral pH. With increasing dilution in water, however, the complex disassociates, and the zinc ion converts to insoluble zinc oxide. This dynamic is unexpected—typically ionic compositions become more soluble at higher dilution, not less—and this facilitates deposition of the zinc precipitate on the teeth upon administration, in the presence of saliva and with rinsing. This precipitation occludes the dentinal tubules, thereby reducing hypersensitivity, and also provides zinc to the enamel, which reduces acid erosion, biofilm and plaque formation.

It will be understood that other amino acids can be used in place of lysine in the foregoing scheme. It will also be understood that, although the zinc, amino acid and optionally halide may be primarily in the form of precursor materials or in the form of an ionic complex, there may be some degree of equilibrium, so that the proportion of material which is actually in complex compared to the proportion in precursor form may vary depending on the precise conditions of formulation, concentration of materials, pH, presence or absence of water, presence or absence of other charged molecules, and so forth.

The rate of precipitation from the formulation can be modulated by adjusting concentration of the complex in the stock solution, and changing the ratio of the stock to water. A more diluted formula leads to faster precipitation and is thus preferred when a fast treatment is desired.

As used herein, the terms “polyol,” “tetraol,” “triol,” and “diol” refers to organic compounds bearing, respectively, at least two hydroxy groups, four hydroxy groups, three hydroxy groups, or two hydroxy groups, wherein said hydroxy groups are bound to aliphatic carbon atoms (i.e., not aromatic carbon atoms). These terms do not embrace compounds having any other functional groups. Thus, polyols, tetraols, triols and diols, as used herein, can be generally described as compounds having a formula C_(n)H_(m)(OH)_(y), wherein y is at least two. These terms include cyclic and polycyclic compounds (e.g., cycloalkane polyols), but not phenols or other aromatic compounds. In some embodiments, polyols are C2-10 alkane polyols and/or C2-10 cycloalkane polyols.

As used herein, the term “alcohol” excludes polyols. As such, “alcohol” refers to organic compounds bearing a single aliphatic hydroxy group without any other functional groups. In some embodiments, alcohol refers to compounds having a formula C_(n)H_(m)(OH)_(y), wherein y is 1. This term includes cyclic and polycyclic compounds (e.g., cycloalkanols), but not phenols or other aromatic compounds. In some embodiments, alcohols are C1-10 alkanols and/or C1-10 cycloalkanols.

The benefits of the oral care compositions of the invention are numerous. By providing zinc ions and zinc containing compounds that can release zinc ions in oral cavities, the oral care compositions of the invention provide antimicrobial, antiplaque, anti-gingivitis, anti-malodor, anti-caries, and anti-calculus benefits. The occluding particles and the surface deposits are compounds containing zinc (particularly ZnO), as well as other zinc derivatives which can release zinc ions into oral cavities and provide the various benefits as recognized above. Additional benefits include but are not limited to anti-attachment, anti-periodontitis and anti-bone loss, as well as promotion of wound healing.

A second benefit is the anti-erosive properties of zinc ions, which form anti-erosive deposits on tooth surfaces through oxidation and hydrolysis. The surface deposits, as well as the occluding particles, can react with and neutralize acids, thus protecting the dental surface from the erosive effects of the acids. In this regard, the more surface depositions/occlusion the treatments lead to, the more efficacious the treatments are, and therefore zinc-arginine and zinc-lysine are preferred. It is also noted that when the surface deposits and occluding particles neutralize acids, beneficial zinc ions and amino acids (infra) can be released, providing oral care benefits other than anti-erosion.

A third benefit is anti-sensitivity benefit as a result of the occlusion. Occlusion of dentin tubules leads to sensitivity relief.

A fourth benefit is the benefit associated with amino acids. The occluding particles and surface deposits contain the corresponding amino acids, such as arginine and lysine. These amino acids provide multiple benefits. For example, basic amino acids lead to higher pH of the plaque and can provide anticaries benefits.

Examples of amino acids include, but are not limited to, the common natural amino acids, e.g.: lysine, arginine, histidine, glycine, serine, threonine, asparagine, glutamine, cysteine, selenocysteine, proline, alanine, valine, isoleucine, leucine, methionine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan, aspartic acid, and glutamic acid. In some embodiments the amino acid is a neutral or acidic amino acid, e.g., glycine.

The halide may be chlorine, bromine, or iodine, most typically chlorine. The acid addition salt of an amino acid and a halogen acid (e.g., HCl, HBr, or HI) is sometimes referred to herein as an amino acid hydrohalide. Thus one example of an amino acid hydrohalide is lysine hydrochloride. Another is glycine hydrochloride.

In certain embodiments, compositions according to the present disclosure may be anhydrous. By anhydrous, there is less than 5% by weight water, optionally less than 4, less than 3, less than 2, less than 1, less than 0.5, less than 0.1 down to 0% by weight water. Especially in such compositions, the zinc-amino acid-halide complex may be added to the composition as a solution in glycerol, e.g., a concentrated solution in glycerol.

Unless stated otherwise, all percentages of composition components given in this specification are by weight based on a total composition or formulation weight of 100%.

The compositions and formulations as provided herein are described and claimed with reference to their ingredients, as is usual in the art. As would be evident to one skilled in the art, the ingredients may in some instances react with one another, so that the true composition of the final formulation may not correspond exactly to the ingredients listed. Thus, it should be understood that the invention extends to the product of the combination of the listed ingredients.

As used throughout, ranges are used as shorthand for describing each and every value that is within the range. Any value within the range can be selected as the terminus of the range. In addition, all references cited herein are hereby incorporated by referenced in their entireties. In the event of a conflict in a definition in the present disclosure and that of a cited reference, the present disclosure controls.

Unless otherwise specified, all percentages and amounts expressed herein and elsewhere in the specification should be understood to refer to percentages by weight. The amounts given are based on the active weight of the material.

EXAMPLES

The general reaction for formation of ZLC is as follows:

ZnO+2(Lysine.HCl)→[Zn(Lysine)₂Cl]Cl(ZLC)+H₂O

An approximately 1:2 molar ratio of zinc oxide to lysine hydrochloride may be suspended or dissolved in a suitable solvent and stirred until the reactants disappear, indicating completion of the formation of the soluble ZLC complex.

Prior art methods of preparing ZLC complex by combining zinc oxide and lysine hydrochloride in aqueous solution typically required very long reaction times (e.g., 12 hours or more, 24 hours or more, or up to 3 days) for completion of the reaction. For example, WO 2015/195118 discloses a synthesis method comprising reacting a 1:2 molar ratio of zinc oxide and lysine hydrochloride in water followed by stirring at room temperature for 12 hours. WO 2015/195117 discloses a method comprising reacting a 1:2 molar ratio of zinc oxide and lysine hydrochloride in dilute aqueous hydrochloric acid (at a pH of 5-6) followed by stirring at room temperature for several hours.

The present invention overcomes these difficulties by providing ZLC complex rapidly in high yield.

Example 1

Four reactions are prepared, each comprising zinc oxide and lysine hydrochloride in distilled water, with a varying molar excess of lysine hydrochloride. Each reaction contains zinc oxide in an amount of 0.65 moles zinc oxide per liter of water. L-lysine hydrochloride is added in an amount of 2.0, 2.2, 2.4 or 2.6 equivalents (i.e., 0%, 10%, 20%, or 30% excess, respectively). The mixture is stirred at room temperature and observed for changes in appearance.

The results are shown in Table 1 below. The results demonstrate that using an excess of lysine hydrochloride results in faster completion of the reaction compared to using no excess lysine hydrochloride.

Appearance at 20 minutes Appearance at 24 hours  0% excess Lys-HCl Substantial undissolved Substantial undissolved solid in suspension solid in suspension 10% excess Lys-HCl Most solids dissolved, Most solids dissolved, very cloudy cloudy but homogenous 20% excess Lys-HCl Slightly cloudy, Translucent 30% excess Lys-HCl Hazy Translucent

The experimental sample containing 20% molar excess of lysine hydrochloride, after stirring 24 hours at room temperature, is diluted with ethanol and left overnight to induce crystallization. The resulting crystals are collected and analyzed by X-ray powder diffraction. It is found that the diffraction spectrum matches ZLC crystal obtained by prior art methods, and that the crystal appears to be free of unreacted lysine.

While the invention has been described with respect to specific examples including presently preferred modes of carrying out the invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous variations and permutations of the above described systems and techniques. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Thus, the scope of the invention should be construed broadly as set forth in the appended claims. 

1. A method of making a zinc-amino acid-halide complex, comprising the step of reacting zinc oxide with an amino acid hydrohalide in aqueous solvent with a slight excess of the amino acid hydrohalide.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the amino acid is selected from lysine, glycine and arginine, in hydrohalide acid addition salt form.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the amino acid is lysine.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the zinc-amino acid-halide complex has the formula Zn(AA)₂(Hal)₂ or Zn(AA)₃(Hal)₂, wherein “AA” is the amino acid and “Hal” is the halide.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the zinc-amino acid-halide complex has the formula Zn(Lys)₂Cl₂, optionally, wherein the structural formula is [Zn(C₆H₁₄N₂O₂)₂Cl]⁺Cl⁺.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the molar excess of amino acid hydrohalide is about 5 to 30%.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein solvent is water.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the solvent comprises a water and polyol mixture.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the polyol is selected from one or more of a diol, a trial or a tetraol, optionally selected from one or more of ethylene glycol, 1,2-propylene glycol, 1,3-propylene glycol, cyclopentane-1,2-diol, cyclohexane-1,2-diol, neopentyl glycol, glycerol, 1,2-butanediol, 1,3-butanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, and pentaerythritol.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the solvent further comprises an alcohol.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises the step of removing the solvent by distillation, vacuum distillation, evaporation, freeze-drying, or spray drying.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises the step of isolating the zinc-amino acid-halide complex, in solid form and/or in substantially pure form.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the isolation step is by precipitation or crystallization.
 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the reaction is substantially complete after less than 24 hours.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the reaction is substantially complete after less than 6 hours or less than 4 hours or less than 3 hours, or less than 1 hour.
 16. A zinc-amino acid-halide complex made according to claim
 1. 17. An oral care or personal care composition comprising the complex according to claim
 16. 18. The method of claim 10, wherein the alcohol is selected from methanol, ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, and butanol. 